Chelsea suffer furious backlash as Enzo Maresca agrees five-year deal to replace Mauricio Pochettino

In the immediate aftermath of the Argentine's departure, Chelsea started their search for a successor.

Kieran McKenna, Thomas Frank and Roberto De Zerbi were all linked with moves to west London amid their impressive work at Ipswich, Brentford and Brighton respectively.

But Chelsea have now chosen Maresca, who has verbally agreed a five-year deal.

Yet fans on X have scrutinised that decision, with many feeling the Blues have made a huge mistake.

"5 year deal just to sack him in 5 months what a useless club," were the words of one user.

"Praying for success but he’s gone by Xmas don’t see him making it past it," were the words of a second.

A third stated: "Congratulations to Enzo Maresca for the severance package he is going to receive next season following his sack."

A fourth opined: "5 year deal always just to get sacked a year later."

Another said: "Chelsea doesn't learn; Enzo Maresca might be a promising coach to the board, but why offering a five year deal?

"This doesn't seem like a smart decision considering how many managers the club has sacked in just two seasons."

A sixth said: "He will be on gardening leave by Christmas."

And a seventh said: "So guys how long will this manager last? 6 months."

When Todd Boehly purchased Chelsea two years ago, he was keen for stability at Stamford Bridge.

But the American, and the rest of the Blues hierarchy, have already shown they're just as ruthless as Roman Abramovich.

Chelsea sacked Thomas Tuchel in September 2022, despite the German guiding the club to Champions League glory the previous year.

He was immediately replaced by Graham Potter, who arrived from Brighton.

But Potter was axed last year after struggling to stamp his authority on the squad.

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Chelsea brought Frank Lampard in as an interim replacement, hoping he'd be able to steady the ship.

Lampard had aimed to impress so he could secure the manager's job himself for a second time.

Yet the former England star toiled in the dugout and never stood a chance of securing a return to his old side.

Last summer, Chelsea brought in Pochettino.

The Argentine was seen as the man to bring the glory days back to the club.

Yet while Pochettino did well by steering Chelsea to sixth, he ultimately agreed to leave the club last week.

According to reports, he wanted a greater say in recruitment.

And Pochettino was also disappointed that Chelsea chiefs didn't want to extend his contract as a show of stability, too.